‘We couldn’t get free and I was thinking our number was up but people were gawping at us, there were people I recognised and others had gone out of their way after hearing about it to come and look, to get pictures.

‘I was begging them to help and to get my daughter out but no one did, I’d like to think I would rush to help not watch.’

The two were trapped in the car (Picture: Susan McKay / NNP)

Susan, who is recovering from a serious illness, said the only person to help was a bus driver, who called 999 and tried to calm the pair.

She said: ‘He was really good, we’re grateful to him and emergency services but disgusted with the others, I’m mortified by their actions and they should feel ashamed.’

The scene of destruction (Picture: North News)

The tree also brought down an electricity cable.

The two women were treated for minor injuries.

PC Paul Jackson, from Cleveland and Durham Road Policing Unit, said: ‘The driver and her passenger were trapped in the car and calling for help.

‘Apparently a number of people decided to film or take photos on their mobile phones rather than offering assistance, and that is disappointing to hear.’

It happened after a serious crash in North Yorkshire, which saw the A1 closed for several hours as patients were treated.

Sergeant Paul Cording, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “The amount of people driving past photographing and videoing the scene – just don’t do it.

‘My colleagues have been taking registration numbers which are on the log and they will be getting Notices of Intended Prosecution through the post – it’s ridiculous.’